Booked with TA, Club Royale credit?

I have booked a cruise in November through a travel agent who was offering nice perks. As a new Club Royale member, is it possible to get added perks from CR as well (I have not paid in full yet)? How would I go about that? Through my travel agent or do I call CR directly? New to this and appreciate any advice!

I had booked with a TA once, you have to call CR and authorise that CR can speak with you TA. Then your TA can call with you name, CR number and reservation number. The can then see if you can get a further discount, etc.

Thanks for the response. After I posted I read more of the boards - do I understand correctly that it's best to book with CR then transfer the booking to a TA to take advantage of their perks? What's in it for the TA if they don't do the booking?

Thanks for the response. After I posted I read more of the boards - do I understand correctly that it's best to book with CR then transfer the booking to a TA to take advantage of their perks? What's in it for the TA if they don't do the booking?

I would call CR and get a price and not mention the fact that you are booked on that exact ship. Then you will know what you are dealing with.... In other words ok we will book you the value of an oceanview or balcony or inside.....whatever it is.

Regular travel agents, as opposed to casino junket agents are not used to dealing with the casino programs. I have done this method with a junket agent but I have never done it with a traditional travel agent.

The reality is, for me at least, once I got to the level of being a Club Royale member or a Blue Chip member on Celebrity I never booked with a travel agent again....because they couldn't interface properly.

You are within final payment, so if you find out you are eligible for some form of a comp, which I can tell you you are based on the fact that you are a recent invitee to CR, you need to have your agent speak to CR and if there are difficulties just cancel and book through CR.

I am hoping that the new program, which is being rolled out now will make it easier to book with the normal travel agents and just have your comps applied......I belive it has gotten better over the years....but remember I am someone that just went to junkets because they were easier.

It has been my experience that it is best to book directly with Club Royale to get your CR discount and then if you want to transfer to a TA, do it afterwards.

I have now booked 4 cruises this way and it has worked out very well. I am able to get the lower CR rate and still take advantage of the TA OBC. I even transferred a booking that I made through CR last April 15, which took advantage of the -0- taxes and port fees and they still transferred it to the TA afterwards, without any price change. I was told, however, that if I tried to make any changes to that particular reservation that they would immediately charge me the taxes and port fees...so I didn't make any changes !

Just remember that sometimes us travel agents can not give you some of the specials we might be offering since they are only for NEW bookings. NOT just knew to them. I would think you would see which way might have a higher value to you.

Thank you for the responses. I've just gotten an offer from CR and I'll be calling to see what the rate is. If it's good enough to make me cancel with TA and rebook - then transfer, I may. Hopefully CR will just offer an OBC to save me from the aggravation of the change, but that's wishful thinking I'm sure!

I book a cruise once through a TA with our family. I was able to call CR and authorize them to speak with TA on my behalf. I was able to get the CR rate.